Unions, and Guilds, and Locals, Oh, my! An evening with… IATSE Event: Wednesday Jan. 12, 2011 Film and television workers represent a highly specialized labor force with unique skills that are hard to place a value on. Among the unions these workers rely on is The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, to bargain with production companies  for minimum wage scales, pension funds, fringe benefits and, as the new media landscape evolves, fair compensation for online content.    Membership participation and democracy are the cornerstones of the IATSE, advanced by a union structure that enables members to have a direct voice in their working lives. The membership — involved in every phase of a production —  is the driving force behind the effort to obtain the wages, benefits and working conditions they need for themselves and their families. Come hear exactly how the IATSE can support your career.  PLEASE NOTE: PHOTO ID IS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY INTO THE VENUE Dan Mahoney is Assistant Division Director of Motion Picture and Television Production of the United States and Canada for the IATSE and Chairperson of the East Coast Council of the Local Unions of the IATSE. His responsibilities include the negotiation, administration and facilitation of IATSE Motion Picture, Television and Commercial Production agreements in the US and Canada. Mahoney has been involved in the New York production industry since 1974 – working as a Key Grip until 1996 on such productions as Once Upon a Time in America, Ransom, Devil’s Advocate  and many others.  In 1997, he became the Business Representative of Motion Picture Studio Mechanics Local 52 IATSE in New York.  Samantha Dulaney (pictured above) was appointed in February, 2008, as the first In-House Counsel in the General Office of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, Moving Picture Technicians, Artists and Allied Crafts of the United States, its Territories and Canada. Dulaney’s  job at the I.A.T.S.E. involves locals that represent workers in every facet of motion picture, television, broadcast and live entertainment industries. She assists in negotiating contracts with some of America’s largest entertainment industry employers and provides assistance to Union representatives on behalf of 38 local unions. Moderator and NYWIFT President Alexandra Levi launched her first consulting practice when she was 21, developing financial and tax strategies for individuals and small businesses in entertainment and media. Eight years later, she became CFO of a modeling agency headquartered in New York. She developed the company's commercial, television and film divisions, negotiating some of the largest contracts in the industry. In 1999, she became vice president of entertainment at a communications firm, producing content for film and television, and heading licensing, branding and distribution programs. After six years, she returned to her own practice, helping individuals and businesses grow their businesses, plus create and preserve wealth.   Produced by Iri Greco This program is supported, in part, by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council and the New York State Council on the Arts Jan. 11, 2011